I'm 63 years old. My farther passed 6 weeks ago today. At his memorial service, I gave his eulogy and had this song played. I told everyone in attendance that I wasn't playing it for my Dad. I was playing it for us. All of us who who loved him. I miss him terribly.
Just gave the eulogy for my father two days ago. Ended up playing a Darrell Scott tune for him. Don’t really know where I’m going with this other than I saw your comment and wanted to say I feel you and I see you.
I'd never heard this song before, and it hits home with me about as hard as any song every has. About 20 feet away from me as I write this is the Randall #1 that my father carried as a Marine in Korea. I'm having a pretty hard time typing through tears.
My papaw was Vietnam. And while the story feeds me all the respect that man deserves my father who was shit. A good man. But shit as far as teaching his children in a way he showed how you should be. He took me to a blacksmith in Appalachian mountains and had me choose a knife and bought if for me. Then the man played me the banjo and a beautiful song. I cried like a baby. I've always loved my dad no many things he done wrong I cried. This song reminds me how my father could've been better but his life beforehand kept him from being the man he could been. And guy Clark. Was the daddy I could've had. Never had. But the song gives me peace and love for my grandfather who was the man the father and grandfather who I needed.
When I turned 18 (1967) my dad gave me a Case pocket knife, because "Every man should have a knife, because you never know when you'll need one." Still carry it, Cause You never know when you'll need one. I miss that old man!
I ran into Guy in Austin at the SXSW in 1992. I'd been covering this song for several years and it is one of my all time favs. I shook his hand, told him I was his greatest fan and ask him if The Randall Knife was a true story. He kinda gave me that "long and gangly look" and said "son you don't make up shit like that".... I just smiled and said thanks for everything Guy and left him alone. He's one of the hero's of our country.....
My father passed away January 19 of 2022. I still have that buck knife, held it again after he died. My Dad is in Heaven now, there is no pain, there is no sorrow. And no more dull blades. I Love you Dad. Your job is finished. Well done. And Thank You
The hallmark of a great songwriter is the ability to say a lot with just a few words, Guy Clark does exactly that. Any son who has loved and lost his father cannot fail to be moved by this. Love from the U.K.
I just lost my father a Vietnam veteran with the 1st Cav 67-68.. only thing I truly wanted of his was a pair of brass knuckles he kept in his car while being a business representative for a cement masons union. Was also able to show him my knife collection, which he had me doing since a young kid. He passed right before Christmas, which would of been his birthday. I just found them.. broke me for a while
Absolutely true, and some of the finest poetry ever written, period. There are bougie european poets who dont have half the heart and skill of Guy Clarke
The fact that 91 people can give this song a Thumbs Down tells me that there are idiots about everything. There is no possible way that someone could give this video a Thumbs Down, but here we are with 91 people doing so.
I didn't have a Randall knife but as a kid growing up in a foster home in Northern Alberta on a cow farm in the late 60s, I was 9 and was asked what I wanted for Christmas, I loved Barlow knives..and asked for one and got it..I carried that darn thing everywhere..threw it around, sharped it, lost it along the way..my old knife led me to this song..got to know Guy Clark..one of my faves..
Hi Everett, and David ... Nova Scotia here. Great story there Everett, did you ever find that old knife again? Around here in Nova Scotia a lot of people had/have Grohman Knives, .. I have several Grohman Knives. One time many years ago my Grandfather knew Mr. Grohman that started the company and Mr. Grohman showed up at my Grandfather's shop one time and gave him a Hunting Knife (like as a sampler sort of, that was what he did back then to get the name out there and people usin the product). My grandfather is gone now, and my Father has it .. some day I would like to have that knife. Great song writer, that Guy Clark eh?
My daddy was a knife maker in his later years ( though he preferred Loveless to Randal) the knives he left behind are priceless treasures to me now. And I'll tell you this. Bo Randall didnt have a damn thing on "Tinker" House. 'Cept maby a reputation.Thank you for the song Guy. He used to quote "Home GrownTomatoes" sometimes. I imagine you two are exchanging jokes in heaven right about now and I find a tear to imagining the prospect.
Love this song, there are very few artists like Guy Clark. Like a master carpenter working with a stack of hardwood Guy Clark didnt just write songs, he crafted them. The stories he conveys in his songs are few and far between in today’s music genre. Shame I discovered him 2 months after his passing. Rest in peace Guy
My father had a .38 special, bought it from a wino back in the 60's,I spent many nights losing sleep while hiding the pistol from him and the booze! I evidently didn't hide it well enough on August 25,1995 when he used it on me! He left us in 2012 and I surely miss him,I really wish he would have missed me! Forever Forgiven Father!
steve julian I saw that same concert here in LA at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. I’ll forever remember Guy Clark, saying “This just feels weird. “He turned around to us, sitting up behind the stage, and sang to us, instead of the huge audience in front of him. What a guy. What a great concert. From all of them.
I have owned a Randall knife, given me by my father in law. Years later I gave it to my nephew who was another sportsman. A real treasure. Dad loved his Randall knives.
Dad never had a Randall knife. He had a Buck knife. It sits here on my shop on a shelf. He used it for fishing for many years. He knew I wanted it, so about 7 years ago when he quit fishing because of his age. He called me to get it. I could hardly hold back tears as he handed it to me. He is 88 now with dimencia as doesn't do much at all. But I will Never forget. This song reminded me of that some 20 years ago
This sends chills to me. Love the different levels of this piece. I had the honor to know Bo Randall, a real gentleman. Alas, my FIL gave his 6" #12 to his grandson, and I haven't purchased my own yet. You had to have had a Randall to write a piece like this.
Good morning Robert W. Roddis, Esq. Thank you very much for sharing this classic from Mr. Guy Clark. He should have music schools and performing art centers around the world named in his honor. He was truly priceless to music and storytelling. God rest his soul.
My father had a randall knife bought for him by my mother. That knife was the one item of his i truly had left after his death. This song hits home, I still have the "sister" to my fathers knife but my brother-in-law stole the one my mother bought long ago. Everyone should look at randall knifes they truly are worthy of this song.
Where've I been?? Just turning on to Guy Clark now after all these years ... thank you Vince Gill for pointing me here.. Can't believe I haven't heard of this guy after so many years of listening to Dick Pleasants on his 'The Folk Heritage' show on WGBH on Saturday afternoons ... and I'm the poorer man for it.
It isn't just the music, words or performer. It is the total package. You hear his guitar so clear, his words so close and our own meaning. Who can possibly pick A favorite. My favorite is the one I am listening to
I discovered Guy;'s music around 2010. Made me appreciate all the country music so much more, his songs hit home, I can see and hear how the team of Townes and him made an amazing songwriting team. God rest your fingers, Guy. They created some magic.
fortunately we age along with those we surround ourselves with. One can't latch on to anything and hope to stay young. I enjoy these old songs as much or more now. I didn't understand the father mourning lines until my Father passed, and now so sweet. God bless life and aging..and music
I just located a nice Randall this weekend and have been on the fence about buying it, no longer after listening to Guys song! Awesome and deeply moving!🕊
I'm young at heart friend. I collect knives. Been around a bit. Love Americana and the good old USA and what the flag stands for and all the sacrifices before me to allow me the freedom that I have. My forefathers have been on this continent since 1640s and I have the proof of that. I know what boat they came over on, not the May Flower but the Saint Jean along with a Frigate for escort. They carved out a living in the brutal northeast along the Saint Laurence River. They too fought the British for independence. In 1900 AD they immigrated south into USA (legally) with papers and worked hard in New England. Now we struggle to hang on to our American identity and western values and will fight for that as did my forefathers. The Randall knife is an icon of WW2 and I own two of them. Beauties. This song wraps up many feelings. I honor the veterans.
Finally saved up money and got my dad a Randall--was looking up the famed knifemaker on the tube and here comes Guy Clark singing about the best blade ever. Can't get better than this--never new about this song before other than the melody from Let Him Roll.
My Dad spent 4 years in Vietnam, carried a puma Bowie knife the entire time.....my dad is 72 still has it. This song has meant so much to me....Guy was genuine Americana!
I was building a guitar for my A levels at college, was doing some work on the body sanding and this song came on, I was trying not to cry, it didn't work, Guy was incredible, really really incredible
Our son-by-marriage turned us to the music of Guy Clark. We wore out Songs and Stories and started looking for concerts only to find out that he had died a few years earlier. SO DISAPPOINTED! An even better CD "The Essential Guy Clark" made us hungry for any venue that could showcase his music and we were lucky enough to find Verlon Thompson and Shawn Camp play a tribute to Guy Clark in a small venue in St. Francisville, LA. No, it wasn't Guy but the music sounded just like it should done by two who loved him best.
I heard this song the first time. It reminds me so much on my old riggers knife. I bought it from my pocket money with 13½, needed to bring my father that the salesman could hand it me. With 14½ I went to sea for about 20 years always with my riggers knife. Even as a Chief Mate I carried it with me. Now it hangs together with all my tools in the workshop, hardly used anymore but if I collect some of the tools, the first item I pick, is the old knife.
Guy Clark is an exceptionally gifted songwriter and artist,who lives a large caliber up above of most nowadays,as he writes about the real things in this world which truly matter!!
Thanks for posting. I still appreciate and have the samurai swords my father brought back from Japan and one day I'll pass them down to my sons to pass on. Thanks, Guy, for passing on your heritage.
Have seen many comments proclaiming " this song isn't about a Randall knife". More than a few commenting on the less than stellar performance of said blade. I'm 66 , I must own 200 knives from full custom to factory made. Only one is MINE, a Randall 14 attack with finger grooved vintage stag handle and nickel silver but cap and finger guard. It was ordered that way many years ago. It's part of me as much as the hand that holds it. Yes this song isn't just about a Randall knife, but have you ever held a Randall knife......
perfect beautiful lyrics in this song, and powerfully sung... understated, but what a statement Guy Clark makes in this song... I can listen to this song over and over and over...
Superb, gets me every time! Just imagine what it must have been like when Guy got together with Steve Earle, Townes Van Zandt and Rodney Crowell, just jamming in the early days! Songwriting gold.
Guy, At first, you looked surprised when you got the standing ovation after singing "Randall Knife" Wednesday night at the Belcourt. We stood for all those broken knives of our fathers in so many bottom drawers
My father had a Randall knife My mother gave it to him When he went off to WWII To save us all from ruin If you've ever held a Randall knife Then you know my father well If a better blade was ever made It was probably forged in hell My father was a good man A lawyer by his trade And only once did I ever see Him misuse the blade It almost cut his thumb off When he took it for a tool The knife was made for darker things And you could not bend the rules He let me take it camping once On a Boy Scout jamboree And I broke a half an inch off Trying to stick it in a tree I hid it from him for a while But the knife and he were one He put it in his bottom drawer Without a hard word one There it slept and there it stayed For twenty some odd years Sort of like Excalibur Except waiting for a tear My father died when I was forty And I couldn't find a way to cry Not because I didn't love him Not because he didn't try I'd cried for every lesser thing Whiskey, pain and beauty But he deserved a better tear And I was not quite ready So we took his ashed out to sea And poured 'em off the stern And threw the roses in the wake Of everything we'd learned When we got back to the house They asked me what I wanted Not the lawbooks not the watch I need the things he's haunted My hand burned for the Randall knife There in the bottom drawer And I found a tear for my father's life And all that it stood for
Glad to have found this. I saw him perform it at a festival in 2001. That lyric "..and he put it in his bottom drawer without a hard word one," just wipes me out.
I'm blessed to have two RMK's, one model 14 and a model 16 and while they have no connection to my father, I always think of him (who died young) when I handle them because of this song.
I'm 63 years old. My farther passed 6 weeks ago today. At his memorial service, I gave his eulogy and had this song played. I told everyone in attendance that I wasn't playing it for my Dad. I was playing it for us. All of us who who loved him. I miss him terribly.
Just gave the eulogy for my father two days ago. Ended up playing a Darrell Scott tune for him. Don’t really know where I’m going with this other than I saw your comment and wanted to say I feel you and I see you.
@@blakebraswell4168 Thank you
I'd never heard this song before, and it hits home with me about as hard as any song every has. About 20 feet away from me as I write this is the Randall #1 that my father carried as a Marine in Korea. I'm having a pretty hard time typing through tears.
Semper Fi to your Dad
Checkout "Waco Moon" by Todd Snider.
My papaw was Vietnam. And while the story feeds me all the respect that man deserves my father who was shit. A good man. But shit as far as teaching his children in a way he showed how you should be. He took me to a blacksmith in Appalachian mountains and had me choose a knife and bought if for me. Then the man played me the banjo and a beautiful song. I cried like a baby. I've always loved my dad no many things he done wrong I cried. This song reminds me how my father could've been better but his life beforehand kept him from being the man he could been. And guy Clark. Was the daddy I could've had. Never had. But the song gives me peace and love for my grandfather who was the man the father and grandfather who I needed.
E@@mommabear3085
When I turned 18 (1967) my dad gave me a Case pocket knife, because "Every man should have a knife, because you never know when you'll need one." Still carry it, Cause You never know when you'll need one.
I miss that old man!
I ran into Guy in Austin at the SXSW in 1992. I'd been covering this song for several years and it is one of my all time favs. I shook his hand, told him I was his greatest fan and ask him if The Randall Knife was a true story. He kinda gave me that "long and gangly look" and said "son you don't make up shit like that".... I just smiled and said thanks for everything Guy and left him alone. He's one of the hero's of our country.....
...so why's he dressed up like them old men
My father passed away January 19 of 2022. I still have that buck knife, held it again after he died.
My Dad is in Heaven now, there is no pain, there is no sorrow. And no more dull blades. I Love you Dad. Your job is finished. Well done. And Thank You
"I was not quite ready" hit me like a hammer. I'm going to have to think about that lyric many times.
Im 60 years old and still I miss my dad.
About the best story teller I've ever listened to! I love the Randall Knife
There just isn't anyone writing songs like this anymore. Great story about one of the best knives made, love and life.
The hallmark of a great songwriter is the ability to say a lot with just a few words, Guy Clark does exactly that.
Any son who has loved and lost his father cannot fail to be moved by this. Love from the U.K.
@Shelby Abraham Yes indeed. Forgive my oversight.
I just lost my father a Vietnam veteran with the 1st Cav 67-68.. only thing I truly wanted of his was a pair of brass knuckles he kept in his car while being a business representative for a cement masons union. Was also able to show him my knife collection, which he had me doing since a young kid.
He passed right before Christmas, which would of been his birthday.
I just found them.. broke me for a while
This is one of the finest songs ever written.
Absolutely true, and some of the finest poetry ever written, period. There are bougie european poets who dont have half the heart and skill of Guy Clarke
Amazing poet
Who gives this a thumbs down 96 people did absolute idiots
The fact that 91 people can give this song a Thumbs Down tells me that there are idiots about everything. There is no possible way that someone could give this video a Thumbs Down, but here we are with 91 people doing so.
I haven't cried for my dad in over a year. This song helped me let it out for the first time in too long. Thank you Guy Clark
Cuts like a Randall Knife..Straight, Deep and to the Hilt..Guy Clark R.I.P. Good Job...👍🎸🇺🇸
I didn't have a Randall knife but as a kid growing up in a foster home in Northern Alberta on a cow farm in the late 60s, I was 9 and was asked what I wanted for Christmas, I loved Barlow knives..and asked for one and got it..I carried that darn thing everywhere..threw it around, sharped it, lost it along the way..my old knife led me to this song..got to know Guy Clark..one of my faves..
This is a really nice story..........in NL Canada. Please RSVP if you see this.
Hi Everett, and David ... Nova Scotia here. Great story there Everett, did you ever find that old knife again?
Around here in Nova Scotia a lot of people had/have Grohman Knives, .. I have several Grohman Knives. One time many years ago my Grandfather knew Mr. Grohman that started the company and Mr. Grohman showed up at my Grandfather's shop one time and gave him a Hunting Knife (like as a sampler sort of, that was what he did back then to get the name out there and people usin the product). My grandfather is gone now, and my Father has it .. some day I would like to have that knife.
Great song writer, that Guy Clark eh?
I like Barlow knives, too.
And Guy is pretty cool, too.
So many great lines - how could ya pick just one ?
Guy did his father proud. Wrote songs like his Dad practiced aw, and Bo Randall crafted knives. The right way.
OMG....I'm not an emotional fellow, but hearing this for the first time today...I'm choked up for real. Amazing writing.
If this song doesn't hit you where you live, something's wrong.
My daddy was a knife maker in his later years ( though he preferred Loveless to Randal) the knives he left behind are priceless treasures to me now. And I'll tell you this. Bo Randall didnt have a damn thing on "Tinker" House. 'Cept maby a reputation.Thank you for the song Guy. He used to quote "Home GrownTomatoes" sometimes. I imagine you two are exchanging jokes in heaven right about now and I find a tear to imagining the prospect.
What a touching song. Makes me think of my dear departed father, whose love for I never properly displayed while he was alive.
Love this song, there are very few artists like Guy Clark. Like a master carpenter working with a stack of hardwood Guy Clark didnt just write songs, he crafted them. The stories he conveys in his songs are few and far between in today’s music genre. Shame I discovered him 2 months after his passing. Rest in peace Guy
No other singer songwriter has touch me as deeply. Godspeed Guy.
+AcousticGroove56 Amen
For me, Guy Clark and John Prine are right up there together.
First I heard this song...I was 19....I'm 41 know.....And I still Love the Randall Knife
my kind of lady
My father had a .38 special, bought it from a wino back in the 60's,I spent many nights losing sleep while hiding the pistol from him and the booze! I evidently didn't hide it well enough on August 25,1995 when he used it on me! He left us in 2012 and I surely miss him,I really wish he would have missed me! Forever Forgiven Father!
This song wells me up every time I listen to it. It's beautiful. Heartfelt. Powerful. Go Guy.
This song always makes me cry. We lost something special today
Thanks Guy for ur words an pictures of our lives we were all blessed by ur time here hope to see when I get to Heaven.
It just did. It reminds you of home, years ago.
If life is measured by treasures left behind....Then Guy's life was huge.
He was a masterful songwriter.
Couldn't agree more. If this doesn't tear you up nothing will! Just an incredible piece of songwriting genius.
Righteous song about the high quality of his Dad and not recognizing his worth on Earth.
Was so lucky to see him live in Winnipeg with Lyle Lovette Joe Ely and John Hiatt. What a show. Four guys on stage with four guitars. Beauty
steve julian I saw that same concert here in LA at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. I’ll forever remember Guy Clark, saying “This just feels weird. “He turned around to us, sitting up behind the stage, and sang to us, instead of the huge audience in front of him. What a guy. What a great concert. From all of them.
got that "let him roll" melody going on there ... RIP susanna...thanks for your part in guy's successes and for your 40 years together
"I bet he's gone to Dallas, rest his soul"
vietnam, 1966, Randall model 1-7
Afghanistan 2005-2006, 2007- 2008- Randall model 14.
Bought the Randall Bowie in 1974 fresh out of Ranger School,
RIP Guy. You will be sorely missed. :(
What a Great song,about a great father and a great knife.
Classic- if you've lost a Dad;you get it!
My dad carried a Randall in Vietnam. This always reminds me of him.
Great song, great song writer, great guitar picker and great singer. Guy Clark is greatly missed.
No other writer brings me more tears. Guy, your reach is deep.
I have owned a Randall knife, given me by my father in law. Years later I gave it to my nephew who was another sportsman. A real treasure. Dad loved his Randall knives.
Dad never had a Randall knife. He had a Buck knife. It sits here on my shop on a shelf. He used it for fishing for many years. He knew I wanted it, so about 7 years ago when he quit fishing because of his age. He called me to get it. I could hardly hold back tears as he handed it to me. He is 88 now with dimencia as doesn't do much at all. But I will Never forget. This song reminded me of that some 20 years ago
This sends chills to me. Love the different levels of this piece. I had the honor to know Bo Randall, a real gentleman. Alas, my FIL gave his 6" #12 to his grandson, and I haven't purchased my own yet. You had to have had a Randall to write a piece like this.
Good morning Robert W. Roddis, Esq. Thank you very much for sharing this classic from Mr. Guy Clark. He should have music schools and performing art centers around the world named in his honor. He was truly priceless to music and storytelling. God rest his soul.
My father had a randall knife bought for him by my mother. That knife was the one item of his i truly had left after his death. This song hits home, I still have the "sister" to my fathers knife but my brother-in-law stole the one my mother bought long ago. Everyone should look at randall knifes they truly are worthy of this song.
May that fucker who stole your knife, stumble and fall on it.
Where've I been?? Just turning on to Guy Clark now after all these years ... thank you Vince Gill for pointing me here.. Can't believe I haven't heard of this guy after so many years of listening to Dick Pleasants on his 'The Folk Heritage' show on WGBH on Saturday afternoons ... and I'm the poorer man for it.
Guy has gone to Dallas, Bless his soul.
Thanks Dad... for everything
It isn't just the music, words or performer. It is the total package. You hear his guitar so clear, his words so close and our own meaning. Who can possibly pick A favorite. My favorite is the one I am listening to
I discovered Guy;'s music around 2010. Made me appreciate all the country music so much more, his songs hit home, I can see and hear how the team of Townes and him made an amazing songwriting team.
God rest your fingers, Guy. They created some magic.
One of the greatest story tellers ever! Thank you for the gift you gave us Guy Clark.
When I here this song every time is like the first time. That’s when you know you have a damn good song on your hands. The best never fade
Few men in there time get to create something as pure and beautiful as this song.
i am so sad right now !! Requiescat in pace Mr Clark
Fine music from my younger days.
fortunately we age along with those we surround ourselves with. One can't latch on to anything and hope to stay young. I enjoy these old songs as much or more now. I didn't understand the father mourning lines until my Father passed, and now so sweet. God bless life and aging..and music
What a great performer. Gone too soon.
I got hooked when I heard The Guitar.
I just located a nice Randall this weekend and have been on the fence about buying it, no longer after listening to Guys song! Awesome and deeply moving!🕊
My ol man is stern and I thank God for it!
Unbelievably beautiful in a tough way!!! I'll never be the same now after hearing this. Chills
i hope you are a young person. These sentiments should be learned young
I'm young at heart friend. I collect knives. Been around a bit. Love Americana and the good old USA and what the flag stands for and all the sacrifices before me to allow me the freedom that I have. My forefathers have been on this continent since 1640s and I have the proof of that. I know what boat they came over on, not the May Flower but the Saint Jean along with a Frigate for escort. They carved out a living in the brutal northeast along the Saint Laurence River. They too fought the British for independence. In 1900 AD they immigrated south into USA (legally) with papers and worked hard in New England. Now we struggle to hang on to our American identity and western values and will fight for that as did my forefathers. The Randall knife is an icon of WW2 and I own two of them. Beauties. This song wraps up many feelings. I honor the veterans.
God has his hands full now.Guy, Jerry Jeff, Billy Joe and Townes up there together.
AINT IT FUN BEING FROM TEXAS!
I cried the first 3 or 4 times I heard this one. It captures so eloquently what it is to be a son and how it feels to love a father.
Some guys see a knife as a weapon, other guys see it as a tool, this Guy saw it as a song.
Anthony O' Brien underrated comment haha
@@jacksimpsonmusic Some guys are overrated, other guys are underrated, like Guy Clark.
Dylan was always my favorite - till Guy nudged him out .
@@anthonyobrien3450 Sadly ... many in the general public don't even know who he is 😪 a sad loss for them ... and they don't even know it.
Another of his great songs. RIP
Finally saved up money and got my dad a Randall--was looking up the famed knifemaker on the tube and here comes Guy Clark singing about the best blade ever. Can't get better than this--never new about this song before other than the melody from Let Him Roll.
Guy's power is ALWAYS in his lyrics. The most literate songwriter we have.
Great song. Thanks.
This is one of those songs that is a privilege to hear. Guy Clark is amazing.
I am no fan of Country music but that bore depth beyond beauty. Thank you for that poetry.
One of the great storytellers of our time. Thanks Guy.
No words..... cheers friend
My Dad spent 4 years in Vietnam, carried a puma Bowie knife the entire time.....my dad is 72 still has it. This song has meant so much to me....Guy was genuine Americana!
Pumas are great. Which model?
Such an amazing song...I have only heard Townes Van Zandt do it before. Thanks so much for posting this!
I was building a guitar for my A levels at college, was doing some work on the body sanding and this song came on, I was trying not to cry, it didn't work, Guy was incredible, really really incredible
My dad and I haven't spoke in years. He's still alive but we we are oil and water..... makes me think of him..
One of the great American song writers....thanks for the music Mr. Clark
Such respect admiration and silence during the song for such a beautiful song.
One of my favorite songs ever.
Our son-by-marriage turned us to the music of Guy Clark. We wore out Songs and Stories and started looking for concerts only to find out that he had died a few years earlier. SO DISAPPOINTED! An even better CD "The Essential Guy Clark" made us hungry for any venue that could showcase his music and we were lucky enough to find Verlon Thompson and Shawn Camp play a tribute to Guy Clark in a small venue in St. Francisville, LA. No, it wasn't Guy but the music sounded just like it should done by two who loved him best.
I heard this song the first time. It reminds me so much on my old riggers knife. I bought it from my pocket money with 13½, needed to bring my father that the salesman could hand it me. With 14½ I went to sea for about 20 years always with my riggers knife. Even as a Chief Mate I carried it with me. Now it hangs together with all my tools in the workshop, hardly used anymore but if I collect some of the tools, the first item I pick, is the old knife.
To me, the best song ever written about a dad. Bar none.
Guy Clark is an exceptionally gifted songwriter and artist,who lives a large caliber up above of most nowadays,as he writes about the real things in this world which truly matter!!
Thanks for posting. I still appreciate and have the samurai swords my father brought back from Japan and one day I'll pass them down to my sons to pass on. Thanks, Guy, for passing on your heritage.
Loved my dad!
incredible story-telling in song. One of the best ever written
I've heard this song umpteen times... but that last line gets me every time
Have seen many comments proclaiming " this song isn't about a Randall knife". More than a few commenting on the less than stellar performance of said blade. I'm 66 , I must own 200 knives from full custom to factory made. Only one is MINE, a Randall 14 attack with finger grooved vintage stag handle and nickel silver but cap and finger guard. It was ordered that way many years ago. It's part of me as much as the hand that holds it. Yes this song isn't just about a Randall knife, but have you ever held a Randall knife......
perfect beautiful lyrics in this song, and powerfully sung... understated, but what a statement Guy Clark makes in this song... I can listen to this song over and over and over...
Superb, gets me every time! Just imagine what it must have been like when Guy got together with Steve Earle, Townes Van Zandt and Rodney Crowell, just jamming in the early days! Songwriting gold.
Beautiful, sincere lyrics. This song always chokes me up. I especially love the line, "I need the thing he's haunted."
I’m crying but I love it.
i really miss him and his honesty
Guy, At first, you looked surprised when you got the standing ovation after singing "Randall Knife" Wednesday night at the Belcourt. We stood for all those broken knives of our fathers in so many bottom drawers
THE Guy Clark Randall knife is now on display as part of the Armadillos and Outlets Exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
My father had a Randall knife
My mother gave it to him
When he went off to WWII
To save us all from ruin
If you've ever held a Randall knife
Then you know my father well
If a better blade was ever made
It was probably forged in hell
My father was a good man
A lawyer by his trade
And only once did I ever see
Him misuse the blade
It almost cut his thumb off
When he took it for a tool
The knife was made for darker things
And you could not bend the rules
He let me take it camping once
On a Boy Scout jamboree
And I broke a half an inch off
Trying to stick it in a tree
I hid it from him for a while
But the knife and he were one
He put it in his bottom drawer
Without a hard word one
There it slept and there it stayed
For twenty some odd years
Sort of like Excalibur
Except waiting for a tear
My father died when I was forty
And I couldn't find a way to cry
Not because I didn't love him
Not because he didn't try
I'd cried for every lesser thing
Whiskey, pain and beauty
But he deserved a better tear
And I was not quite ready
So we took his ashed out to sea
And poured 'em off the stern
And threw the roses in the wake
Of everything we'd learned
When we got back to the house
They asked me what I wanted
Not the lawbooks not the watch
I need the things he's haunted
My hand burned for the Randall knife
There in the bottom drawer
And I found a tear for my father's life
And all that it stood for
Glad to have found this. I saw him perform it at a festival in 2001.
That lyric "..and he put it in his bottom drawer without a hard word one," just wipes me out.
The preeminent song writer of this generation...it simply does not get any better than this. A masterpiece...
Makes me cry even after the 101th time I've heard this song.
Guy was the Soul of Music in Tejas
I'm blessed to have two RMK's, one model 14 and a model 16 and while they have no connection to my father, I always think of him (who died young) when I handle them because of this song.
Guy,Townes Van Zant,John Prine,Steve Young,& a handful of others are THE songwriters. I had the privledge of knowing them.
I have only just started listening to guy Clark sorry to hear about his passing hope god likes his music and songs